The Ron Thorne Collection

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

The bidder's registration fee keeps it real for serious bidders only.

Nothing about the Ron Thorne collection is less than first class.

Not sure I agree. There is the registration fee of $150 from everyone and then there is the consignment fees on the back end if you win a bid. Asking money just to join is a money grab in my opinion and just a way to get more cash from anyone who "walks" in the door.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Not sure I agree. There is the registration fee of $150 from everyone and then there is the consignment fees on the back end if you win a bid. Asking money just to join is a money grab in my opinion and just a way to get more cash from anyone who "walks" in the door.

Think about the relationship between a final selling price of an auctioned car, and the composition of the bidders. Without the registration fee, hoards of unqualified bidders drive up an unrealistic value, basically just having fun at the expense of the serious bidders. There are men who earn a living doing just that. Those men are called shills, and can make the difference between a sale and no sale, often far beyond any actual bidding competition.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Think about the relationship between a final selling price of an auctioned car, and the composition of the bidders. Without the registration fee, hoards of unqualified bidders drive up an unrealistic value, basically just having fun at the expense of the serious bidders. There are men who earn a living doing just that. Those men are called shills, and can make the difference between a sale and no sale, often far beyond any actual bidding competition.

I have not been to a live Mecum or Barett-Jackson auction, but I thought you have to prove some type of financial viability before you're allowed to have a paddle. That's all that should be asked.

If being a shill is a business, that $150 ain't going to stop them if they can make a tidy profit.

I'm of the opinion that all of these reality and non-stop Barret-Jackson auction shows are only feeding this crazy notion.

I know others may not agree, but the 20-25% consignment fee and other related fees the auction houses charge should leave plenty of meat on the bone for them to make their money. They don't need it on the back of interested parties.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I have not been to a live Mecum or Barett-Jackson auction, but I thought you have to prove some type of financial viability before you're allowed to have a paddle. That's all that should be asked.

If being a shill is a business, that $150 ain't going to stop them if they can make a tidy profit.

I'm of the opinion that all of these reality and non-stop Barret-Jackson auction shows are only feeding this crazy notion.

I know others may not agree, but the 20-25% consignment fee and other related fees the auction houses charge should leave plenty of meat on the bone for them to make their money. They don't need it on the back of interested parties.

I think you misunderstood my post. Shills are hired by auctioneers to create a sense of competition among the real bidders. I only mentioned shills to show that the effect is similar to what a few unqualified joy seekers can do to an auction. They bid for the thrill and in the hope that they can win a bargain. I totally agree about the reality TV auctions. Bad for the hobby.

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I have not been to a live Mecum or Barett-Jackson auction, but I thought you have to prove some type of financial viability before you're allowed to have a paddle. That's all that should be asked.

If being a shill is a business, that $150 ain't going to stop them if they can make a tidy profit.

I'm of the opinion that all of these reality and non-stop Barret-Jackson auction shows are only feeding this crazy notion.

I know others may not agree, but the 20-25% consignment fee and other related fees the auction houses charge should leave plenty of meat on the bone for them to make their money. They don't need it on the back of interested parties.

You have to present a bank letter guaranteeing your highest bid.